Search Resumes for Missing WSJ Reporter David Bird

Authorities resumed the ground search Tuesday for a missing Wall Street Journal reporter who was last seen in January leaving his New Jersey home for a walk.

Police to date have found no evidence to explain the disappearance of David Bird, 55 years old. After he went missing on Jan. 11, hundreds of people turned out to search the area around his home in the Millington section of Long Hill Township.

Mr. Bird, a father of two, was putting away Christmas decorations with his wife, Nancy, when he put on his red rain jacket and said he was heading out for a short walk before an expected rainstorm. He didn’t take his cellphone or the twice-daily medication he needs as a liver-transplant recipient.

Search crews with dogs Tuesday returned to the wooded area near Mr. Bird’s home called Hicks Tract and other spots where Mr. Bird has been known to walk, the Long Hill Township Police Department said in an update posted on its Facebook page.

During the period when the ground search was suspended because of snow and extreme weather, investigators continued to follow up on leads, the police department said. But investigators still have no indication of what might have led to Mr. Bird’s disappearance, “whether it is from his own free will, or the actions of others, an accidental occurrence, or an act of nature,” the police said.

Mr. Bird’s sister-in-law Chris Fleming said: “It’s been a very hard time for our family, but our hearts are filled with gratitude for the continuing prayers, good wishes and support of our friends, neighbors, and David’s co-workers, not to mention the tireless efforts of the Long Hill Township Police Department.”

“We have every faith that together we can bring David home,” she said.

Police asked anyone with information to call the Long Hill Township Police Department at 908-647-1800.